In The News For September 14, 2018

The Rockland OPP have appealed to the public for its help in locating a missing Cornwall man. Josh Lauzon-McAlear is believed to be in Rockland. The 20-year-old was last heard from late Thursday afternoon; he’s believed to be on foot. He has brown hair and a medium build. His family and the police are concerned for his safety. Anyone with information is asked to immediately call Rockland OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission says employment insurance premiums will be lower than expected next year. The commission says the rate will be $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, which is four cents lower than anticipated. Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Jean-Yves Duclos, the minister for families, children and social development, say in a joint statement that the E-I premium rate has been reduced ”thanks to a strong and growing economy.” The change won’t be reflected on people’s paycheques until January.

At Tuesday’s regular council meeting Champlain Township Mayor Gary Barton said that a meeting had taken place earlier that afternoon to discuss the busy portion of Highway 34 at the north end of Vankleek Hill. A new Foodland store will soon be built on a vacant lot north of Foodland on the west side of Highway 34. Close by, Howes Farm Equipment will relocate there from its current location. Tim Hortons which will be built north of Foodland. Barton said that there may be future consideration of installing a sidewalk there due to the large amount of pedestrians who have to walk along the side of the road to get to the grocery story. Barton said that the township is asking the Ministry of Transportation to meet with them to discuss options.

Despite days of warning and an increased effort to make sure people evacuate, officials say about 150 people in the city of New Bern, North Carolina are waiting to be rescued from rising flood waters. A spokeswoman for the says 200 people have already been plucked from danger. As hurricane Florence makes landfall, it is bringing with it a deadly storm surge that could push water levels still higher.